NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Aviation attorney Keith Williams is publicly backing the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to immediately ground all McDonnell Douglas MD-11 and DC-10 aircraft following last week’s catastrophic crash at the UPS air hub in Louisville, Kentucky.

On November 4, a 1991 MD-11 lost its left engine during takeoff, sparking a wing fire and crashing near the runway. Fourteen people — including all three crew members — were killed, and several nearby businesses were destroyed. In response, both UPS and FedEx voluntarily grounded the remaining MD-11 and DC-10 aircraft in their fleets while federal investigators began examining potential structural or age-related issues.

Williams, who has represented victims in major aviation disasters for more than 30 years, says the FAA’s action is not only appropriate but essential to restoring public confidence.

“The FAA made the right call,” Williams said. “Until we know whether aging components or maintenance gaps contributed to this tragedy, these aircraft should not be in the air. Every operator and regulator should be laser-focused on preventing another preventable loss of life.”

Williams said investigators will be scrutinizing inspection logs, maintenance records, and possible fatigue in aging aircraft parts — factors that historically play significant roles in cargo-aircraft incidents.

“Grounding the fleet is the only responsible choice while we wait for answers,” he added. “No package delivery schedule is worth risking another disaster.”

In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.